Apr 11, 2023

Growers approve Michigan asparagus program

Michigan’s asparagus producers have approved a referendum to continue the Michigan Asparagus Industry Development Program.

Growers vote on whether to continue the program every five years; this validates it to June 7, 2028.

The referendum was between March 6-17, with a total of 40 valid ballots cast. Of those, 37 producers (93%) voted in favor of the program, representing 14.16 million pounds of asparagus (97%), and 3 producers (7%) voted against, representing 426,000 pounds (3%).

Established in June 1978, the Michigan Asparagus Industry Development Program is designed to improve the economic position of Michigan asparagus growers by supporting research and market development efforts through grower assessments. The current assessment is 1.5 cents per pound.

For renewal of the program and its activities, more than 50% of the voting producers, representing more than 50% of the production of those voting, must approve it.

Information on the Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board is available on its website, www.michiganasparagus.org.